Right Honorable Tony Blair, Prime Minister [from the letter received during the conference]: 'Everything we do in our everyday activity, in our work and leisure involves some element of risk. Risk is an inescapable part of our lives. The challenge for all of us, both within and outside Government is to manage risk in a way which gives us the necessary protection we need without constraining what we do beyond a level that is justified. I very much welcome your conference today as a vital contribution to this debate. I hope that you will enjoy what I am sure will be a very stimulating and productive'

Following a meeting yesterday evening, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Risk and Adventure in Society has agreed with Jane Kennedy MP, minister responsible for health and safety at work, to investigate the state of outdoor activities and the litigation culture which has been causing difficulties for volunteers and professionals alike. Lembit Öpik, MP for Montgomeryshire, and Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, and co-Chair of the APPG, declared himself extremely pleased with the result of the meeting.

Mr. Öpik said: 'We had a terrifically positive meeting, and I?d like to praise Jane Kennedy for the contribution she has made, both in the chamber and in private meetings, to this debate. The Minister has effectively opened the way to a solution which benefits the Government, the outdoor industry and the public, through developing wider volunteering and education possibilities. I am very optimistic about where we go from here.'

Commenting Julian Brazier, Conservative MP for Canterbury and Whitstable, and co-Chair of the APPG said: 'This is an exciting opportunity to make a difference for activities involving hundreds of thousands of young people and children.'

Derek Wyatt, Labour MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, and the third co-Chair of the APPG, added: 'Our next steps are an inquiry, to be held in June, and to be opened by Jane Kennedy, looking at the difficulties and opportunities for society in Risk and Adventure. The Minister also promised a dialogue with the Health and Safety Commission and across Government, which will further understanding of the issues at hand here.

'This truly is a landmark in resolving these difficult issues. I think we'll find a way though, on a cross party basis, and in close partnership with ministers. This afternoon, the future for the outdoors looks much brighter than it did this morning.'

ENDS&

Notes to Editors

If you require any further information, please don't hesitate to contact me, or Andrew Williams in Julian Brazier's office (0207-219-2846.

The joy of living dangerously - Forget exams and league tables, writes Richard Dawkins. Real education, exemplified by a maverick headmaster almost 100 years ago, is about the power of knowledge and the thrill of discovery. Richard Dawkins Guardian Saturday July 6, 2002

People with high self-esteem may be more of a threat to society than those with a lower sense of self-worth Polly Toynbee Friday December 28, 2001 The Guardian

'A Question of Balance: Risk and Adventure in Society' was a one day conference for policy makers, practitioners and anyone concerned with society's attitude towards risk. Speakers included HRH Prince Philip, Libby Purves and Dr Frank Furedi. It was held on the 29th November, 2000 at the Royal Geographical Society, London. It was a first step on the long road to societal change and more healthy, responsibility-aware, individuality.

Speakers challenged the trend towards excessive caution, explored the positive benefits of sensible risk taking and brought a sense of realism to questions of risk and safety. The conference showed how important it is that young people have the opportunity to develop balanced attitudes to risk and highlighted the need to maintain challenge and adventure in a healthy society. Developments since the conference have included government intervention and reviews of current litigation law - particularly as it affects the public sector. The report is available from the campaign office for £10.00 and is well worth a read